The role is unremunerated, but reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including travel) will be payable.
Vacancy Description
The role of a Practitioner Member
Members of the Committee have collective responsibility for the operation of this body. They must:
- Engage fully in collective consideration of the issues, taking account of the full range of relevant factors, including any guidance issued by the Ministry of Justice or by the Lord Chancellor.
- Ensure that its responsibilities under the Freedom of Information Act (including prompt responses to public requests for information) are discharged; agree an Annual Report; and, where practicable and appropriate, hold at least one meeting a year in public.
- Respond appropriately to complaints, if necessary with reference to the Ministry of Justice
- Ensure that the Committee does not exceed its powers or functions
Communications between the Committee and the Lord Chancellor will generally be through the Chair. Nevertheless, any Committee member has the right of access to Ministers on any matter which he or she believes raises important issues relating to his or her duties as a Committee member. In such cases the agreement of the rest of the Committee should normally be sought.
From time to time issues of a confidential nature may arise during Committee work. The duty of confidentiality obliges members to respect the confidentiality of such work. Confidential information that members obtain during the course of membership of the Committee must not be used for the benefit of their own or others’ use.
Individual Committee members can be removed from office by the Lord Chancellor if they fail to perform the duties required of them in line with the standards expected in public office.
Person Specification
Candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:
- Having the appropriate experience for the appointment required by s.77(2) of the
Courts Act 2003; (the appointment is not restricted to solicitors but it must be someone who has been authorised by a relevant approved regulator to conduct litigation in relation to all proceedings in the Senior Courts and has particular experience of family practice in the family court);
- Interest in the broad field of law concerning family courts, rule making process, and a commitment to the simplification and reform of family justice procedures;
- Evidence of sound committee experience and inter-personal skills;
- Understanding and knowledge of the court processes and administrative procedures within the family jurisdiction;
- Evidence of the ability to work in a committee; take an active and influential part in debate and to make time to serve on the Committee.
Desirable criteria
- A commitment to valuing diversity
Additional Information
Eligibility
There must be no employment restrictions, or time limit on your permitted stay in the UK.
We welcome applications from all those who are eligible.
How to Apply
To make an application, please send:
- A CV (maximum two sides of A4) detailing your qualifications, employment history and any appointments or offices you hold. Please also provide your preferred contact number and email address.
- A personal statement (maximum two sides of A4) providing evidence against the role criteria and your suitability for the post. Please consider the role and criteria carefully in preparing your statements. Information from AAP indicates that applications which offer specific and tailored examples against the criteria, making clear the candidate’s role in achieving an outcome are often the strongest. Structuring the statement around the criteria using relevant headings also aids clarity.
- Signifcant Political Activity which is found on the Diversity Monitoring online form
- Number of other public appointments held which is found on the Diversity Monitoring online form
- Referee details – please give names/contact details of two referees (who will be contacted if you are shortlisted for interview).
Diversity monitoring – Please complete this online form: Click here. Information is requested for monitoring purposes only and plays no part in the selection process. It will be kept confidential and will not be seen by the AAP.
Please send your CV, personal statement and supporting documents to: PublicAppointmentsTeam@justice.gov.uk quoting reference PAT 160072 in the subject line of your email. We will acknowledge receipt.